Design a research plan that:
a. Incorporates a clear research question;
b. Identifies appropriate information resources;
This outcome has the student looking to the future- explaining through the research question what they want to know, and mapping out a research plan for where and how they intend to look for information resources.
Research Questions should be:
Fracking This is not a question, but a simple topic. It has no focus.
Does fracking impact the environment? This is a question but can be easily answered with a yes or no.
What is the environmental impact of fracking? This is a complex question, but only asks for a report of fact, it does not ask for a deeper analysis.
What are some of the most effective ways of protecting local groundwater from the wastewater produced by fracking? This complex question is narrow enough for a paper or presentation, asks for analysis and synthesis, and "most effective" invites debate over the best methods to use.
Please note that a research question and a thesis are NOT the same thing. A thesis is a proposed answer to a research question.
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Not Proficient | Developing Proficiency | Proficient | Exceeding Proficiency |
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Design a research plan that (a) incorporates a clear research question.
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No clear, arguable research question. | Has a research question, but it is too broad or too narrow for the assignment/information need, or is poorly worded. The question does not generate argument or is easily answered without scholarly research. | The research question is specific, neither too broad nor too narrow for the assignment/information need, and is clearly worded. The question generates arguments and cannot be answered without scholarly research | The research question that is focused, clear, and well stated. The question generates rich argument and deep scholarly research. |
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CC BY-NC Forsyth Library UNIV 301 Information Literacy
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